* * Tight End is a need. Who could the Bills be eyeing at the Senior Bowl?

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* * Tight End is a need. Who could the Bills be eyeing at the Senior Bowl?

And looking at the tight ends on the roster, this should be the year Buddy considers drafting a TEDorin Dickerson - 9 catches in 2012Scott Chandler - rehabbing (signed off the street)Lee Smith - mostly a blocker (signed from Patriots practice squad)Mike Caussin - is he ever healthy? (signed from the Jags practice squad in 2010)Derek Buttles - who? (on active roster, signed off the street recently)Joe Sawyer - who? (just signed to a futures contract)

Tight Ends on the Bills radar?

Vance McDonald, TE - Rice - 6023 262lbs
".....He showed the ability to catch the ball away from his frame and all practice was able to create separation with his impressive route running. He was able to beat the jam by leaning into defenders and exploding out of his break..."
"....Very nice day for McDonald. Caught the ball extremely well and made some difficult catches. Also displayed skill as a blocker...."

Mychal Rivera TE Tennessee 6032 237lbs
"....Mon: Athletic, quick and fast. Made several nice receptions. ..."
".....continues to show why I think he is a very underrated tight end prospect right now."

Chris Pantale, TE - Boston College 6'6" 255lbs
Played in the East West Shrine game and was "seen talking to Bills scouts".
Pantale has been a favorite target this week, especially in the red zone, where he uses his 255-pound frame to outmuscle smaller defenders.

As of now the Bills have zero starting TE on the roster. And don't be surprised if Chandler is on PUP to start the season. So the team is in a desperation situation. I think the Bills will have to both sign a moderate free agent TE AND draft one in the first four rounds.

That's especially true if the team gets a rookie QB. You have to surround your young QB with talent to help him succeed (like the Colts did with Luck & 2 TE in last year's draft).

A good TE will help in the running game and by taking some receiving pressure off of Steve Johnson.

Zak Ertz
Tyler Eifert
Levine Toilolo
Travis Kelce
Dion Sims
...
Are all names I've been keeping an eye on. It does seem quite clear that Marrone likes TEs in his system, and with Chandler rehabbing an ACL coming into a contract year, I think we'll be looking for a new starting TE.